Living Energy Labs 2016-2017
The Living Energy Laboratory is a project incubator for innovative, grassroots energy projects that demonstrate practical approaches to achieving a local energy economy. All planned and managed by individuals, businesses, and organizations, these projects benefit us all as well offering go-forward lessons for innovators to-come. The program is stewarded and supported by the members of the Bridgewater Energy Partnership, and grants hosted by the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation.
On February 4, 2017, the leaders of these projects successfully competed for and won the following prizes and resources:
CASH REWARDS
$2,350 – generously provided by L&B Electric, the LaHave River Credit Union, and the Town of Bridgewater
EXPERT SUPPORT AND MENTORSHIP
$2,056 equivalent value – generously provided by L&B Electric, RJ Roy Energy Management Services, and the Town of Bridgewater
OTHER PROJECT RESOURCES
$1,023 equivalent value – generously provided by the South Shore Breaker, LighthouseNow, and Staples Bridgewater. And thank you to Bridgewater Mall for hosting our event!
Criteria
To qualify, projects should meet at least one of the following two objectives:
Direct energy benefits: improve energy efficiency, reduce energy waste, generate renewable energy, and/or reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Capacity building: increase people’s awareness, knowledge or skills for one or more of the topics above
Projects can fit into four different categories, allowing many different kinds of projects to qualify:
Community Project – the project benefits the community in general, not intended to generate profit or personal benefit
Business or Organizational Initiative – an energy improvement, new service, product, or organizational change made by one or more organizations
New Venture – a new business or significant expansion of an existing business
Home Improvement or Lifestyle Change – an action taken by an individual, family, or small group of people
Projects that best fit the intentions behind the Living Energy Laboratory will:
Deliver results within 6-12 months
Be affordable or help others afford smart energy solutions
Be replicable and scalable so others can use the same idea
Help educate people on energy issues or opportunities
Have a lasting and measurable impact
Sponsors and Supporters
Project Grants: The Nodding Group, L&B Electric, and the LaHave River Credit Union, and the Town of Bridgewater
Mentorship and Expertise: L&B Electric, RJ Roy Energy Management Services, and the Town of Bridgewater
In-Kind Services: South Shore Breaker, LighthouseNow, and Staples Bridgewater. And thank you to Bridgewater Mall for hosting our event!
